Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair in Children Using Intracorporeal Sutures: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) using intracorporeal suturing is a minimally invasive technique increasingly used in pediatric surgery. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique in a pediatric population. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. The study included 32 pediatric patients diagnosed with inguinal hernias who underwent LIHR using intracorporeal suturing. Data including demographic characteristics, birth order, gestational age, hernia laterality, and intraoperative and postoperative details including recurrence, pain, hydrocele, duration of hospital stay, and return to normal activity were studied. No comparison with open surgery or with another method of laparoscopic hernia repair was made. Results: The study included 32 patients (62.5% males and 37.5% females). Most were first-born (61.54%), with 75% children born at term. Hernia laterality was left-sided (40.6%), right-sided (31.25%), and bilateral (28.13%). There was one case of atypical intraoperative findings. The mean duration was 39 min for unilateral repair and 55 min for bilateral repair. There was no conversion to open surgery. Postoperative outcomes showed no recurrence, pain, or hydrocele. The mean duration of hospital stay was 2.27 days, and the mean duration to return to normal activity was 6.7 days. Conclusion: LIHR using intracorporeal suturing with purse-string closure of the internal ring is a safe and effective method for treating pediatric inguinal hernias. The study found no significant postoperative complications, suggesting this technique is a preferred approach in pediatric hernia repair. Furthermore, large-scale, prospective studies are recommended to confirm these findings.